Berlin MP triumphs as Global Champions Arabians Tour ends

Berlin MP, who claimed the Senior Stallion Gold in Valkenswaard for Hleetan Qatar Stud, with leading handler Glenn Schoukens. (Global Champions Arabians Tour)
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Updated 21 July 2025
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Berlin MP triumphs as Global Champions Arabians Tour ends

  • The 2018-born grey horse, owned by Hleetan Qatar Stud, took the coveted Senior Stallion Gold Championship Title

VALKENSWAARD: The 2025 Valkenswaard edition of the Global Champions Arabians Tour in the Netherlands concluded on Sunday, with Berlin MP, owned by Hleetan Qatar Stud, taking home the prestigious Senior Stallion Gold Championship title.

The 2018-born grey stallion was handled by Glenn Schoukens, delivering a performance that captivated judges and spectators alike.

The sixth stage of the Tour in the Europe & the Middle East series unfolded at the renowned Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard.

Over three days, more than 100 of the world’s finest Arabian horses competed in a venue filled with breeders, sponsors, influencers, VIPs, and fans.

With a total prize purse $1.64 million, of which $1.22 million was allocated to championship classes and $419,000 to qualifiers, Valkenswaard reinforced the GCAT’s status as the most prestigious and rewarding series in the history of Arabian horse sport.

“Valkenswaard continues to surprise and inspire,” said Bader M. Al-Darwish, CEO of the Global Champions Arabians Tour. “We witnessed world-class competition at the epicenter of equestrian sports in the Netherlands.”

The show now moves to London, where the tour will make its much-anticipated UK debut from Aug. 14 to 17 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

The season’s grand finale in Doha, the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme, is from Dec. 3 to 6.

Championship Winners – Valkenswaard 2025

Yearling Fillies: Gold for VERONICA BV, owned by Al-Shaqab and bred by Bautista Vich Stud, Qatar.

Yearling Colts: Gold for SK KAYAN, owned by Aljumail Stud, Qatar, and bred by Abdulaziz Mohammed A. Almudimigh.

Junior Fillies: Gold for Shahalel Al-Shaqab, owned and bred by Al-Shaqab, Qatar.

Junior Colts: Gold for D Borkan, owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, UAE.

Senior Mares: Gold for Al-Aryam Banafsaj, owned by Ajman Stud – Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al-Nuaimi, bred by Al-Aryam Arabians, Ajman, UAE.

Senior Stallions: Gold for Berlin MP, owned by Hleetan Qatar Stud, bred by Mindy Peters, Qatar.

Championship Points Standings after Valkenswaard

Top Female: Shahalel Al-Shaqab – 120.

Top Male: Berlin MP – 104.

Leading Handler: Glenn Schoukens – 307.


Danube Group launches UAE’s first cricket-focused digital media platform

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Danube Group launches UAE’s first cricket-focused digital media platform

  • Move marks a new front for one of the UAE’s most diversified conglomerates
  • Anis Sajan: Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group is not just a business expansion it is the culmination of my lifelong passion for cricket

DUBAI: Danube Group has entered the digital sports media sector with the launch of Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group, the country’s first cricket-focused digital media platform, under the leadership of its vice chairman, Anis Sajan.

The move marks a new front for one of the UAE’s most diversified conglomerates, expanding its footprint beyond real estate, retail, building materials and hospitality into the fast-growing digital sports media landscape. The platform reflects Danube Group’s strategy of diversification and its focus on consumer-driven, high-growth sectors.

The launch event in Dubai was attended by several international cricket stars, including Dinesh Karthik, Eoin Morgan, JP Duminy, Fakhar Zaman, Angelo Mathews, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Khurram Khan, alongside figures from across the regional sports community.

Speaking at the launch, Sajan said: “Today, Danube Group takes a major leap into a brand-new segment. Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group is not just a business expansion it is the culmination of my lifelong passion for cricket. As the UAE becomes a global hub for the sport, this platform will bring world-class cricket content, storytelling, and exclusive access to fans worldwide.”

Headquartered in Dubai, Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group becomes the first digital media house in the UAE dedicated exclusively to cricket. The platform will initially focus on cricket content, drawing on the UAE’s strong connection to the sport and Sajan’s global network, before expanding into coverage of other major sports as part of a long-term plan to evolve into a multi-sport digital platform.

The platform will offer a wide range of content, including live and real-time cricket coverage, exclusive interviews with international players, premium digital video productions, studio shows, social-first short-form content, documentary-style storytelling rooted in cricket culture, and behind-the-scenes access across global leagues.

The launch comes as the UAE continues to strengthen its position in the global cricket landscape, having hosted major tournaments such as the T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, ILT20, T10 competitions and numerous international fixtures.

“The UAE has truly become a home away from home for people of many nationalities like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, united by their love of cricket, alongside expatriates from England, Australia, South Africa, and beyond who are also cricket lovers,” Sajan added. “Hence, launching a world-class sports media platform here is a step toward cementing the nation’s role not just in hosting the sport, but in shaping how it is consumed by these audiences.”

Danube Group said the move aligns with its long-term vision of innovation, diversification and community engagement, with digital sports media forming a new vertical that combines technology, entertainment and culture.

Sajan underlined the personal significance of the project, saying: “Cricket has always been a passion for me for the last 45 years, will continue to be my passion, and will never be treated as a business.”